Texans kicker Randy Bullock reacts after Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel blocked his 40-yard field-goal try near the end of the first half. The kick became Bullockâs ninth miss of the season, the most by any kicker in the NFL. less

Texans kicker Randy Bullock reacts after Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel blocked his 40-yard field-goal try near the end of the first half. The kick became Bullockâs ninth miss of the season, the most ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts (12) reaches up for a pass as Texans defensive back Brandon Harris (26) defends during the second half.

Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts (12) reaches up for a pass as Texans defensive back Brandon Harris (26) defends during the second half.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans quarterback Case Keenum huddles the offense during the second half.

Texans quarterback Case Keenum huddles the offense during the second half.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans offensive coordinator Wade Phillips watches from the sidelines during the first half. Phillips served as the Texans as interim head coach while Gary Kubiak recovers after he suffered a mini-stroke last week. less

Texans offensive coordinator Wade Phillips watches from the sidelines during the first half. Phillips served as the Texans as interim head coach while Gary Kubiak recovers after he suffered a mini-stroke ... more

It was followed by defensive end J.J. Watt saying anyone who quits on the 2013 Texans — owners of a seven-game losing streak, the longest and cruelest in franchise history — doesn’t belong on the team and has no place in his life.

Reed and Watt spoke at separate times Sunday, and Watt offered no comment when asked about Reed’s statements. But the differing thoughts and viewpoints captured the divide in a frustrating defense that again bent and broke at the worst time.

The Texans aren’t 2-7 because of their defense, which entered Sunday ranked first out of 32 teams in average yards (273.5) and passing (158) but 27th in points (27.6).

But an injury-depleted unit that regularly has failed to close out winnable games and faltered when contests have been on the line is at the core of the disappointment.

Watt excels

Arizona rushed for just 97 yards and passed for 235, was 3-of-10 on first down, and lost both of its fumbles. But the Cardinals won 27-24 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Watt forced and recovered two fumbles — resulting in seven Texans points — and Arizona All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was held to just three receptions for 23 yards. The Texans lost.

During a game in which the Texans recorded three takeaways, the turnovers were erased by interim coach Wade Phillips acknowledging he blitzed at the wrong time.

The Texans rushed hard on second-and-10 and quarterback Carson Palmer responded with an easy loft pass to wide receiver Andre Roberts, stretching the Cardinals’ lead to 27-17 with six minutes, 42 seconds left in the game.

Stats misleading

Statistically, the Texans’ defense was solid and presented its offense with another winnable game. Realistically, Watt and Co. broke down.

“It’s real frustrating,” said safety Shiloh Keo, who started in place of Reed. “We go out there all three phases and make some good plays and have things going our way, then we come up short again. It’s just frustrating. Especially when you look at how talented we are and how well we play.

“We know we’re better than that. Everyone’s like — it’s confusing. As a competitor out there, you know what you’re capable of, and it’s just not happening. It’s tough.”

Seven consecutive losses and a lost season have produced finger-pointing for the first time this season. Reed often was forced to watch from the sideline Sunday while the Cardinals turned a 14-7 deficit into a 27-24 victory — the second straight game in which the Texans have blown a halftime lead.

Reed speaks up

Afterward, Reed alternately bit his tongue and opened up when asked about an unfulfilling 2013 season that’s only become worse with each game.

Reed said there were things he couldn’t say because they needed to remain in-house. But he acknowledged the Texans were at times outplayed and outcoached, and he wishes he had been allowed to do more.

“You watching the game and it ain’t (a) no-brainer,” he said. “Certain situations, it’s like we got to get off the field. We need a three-and-out.

“But you’ve also got to come on as an offense and move the ball. You can’t go three-and-out and put your defense back on the field that quick. And then that (last scoring drive) that they had, I’m looking at it like guys are a little fatigued. Eventually they’re going to figure out what you’re doing if you’re doing the same old things.

“It’s a very humbling game. If I was in the coach’s shoes, maybe I can say a little bit more.”

Zero tolerance

Watt spent 49 seconds answering a question about whether any of his teammates have given up or a team expected to be a Super Bowl contender has started to crack.

He unleashed his best game of the season during the Texans’ record-setting loss.

After the defeat, he had no tolerance for anyone who wasn’t ready for the long climb that awaits.

“I’ll never give up on any team, ever,” he said. “I’ll never give up on anything, ever. That’s just not the way that I’m wired.

“If you’ve given up, you’re in the wrong locker room and you need to find a different place to go.

“I don’t care if you’re 0-16. You play that 16th game with every ounce of energy you have. And that’s the way I live my life. And that’s the way I’ll continue to play this season, and that’s the way I’ll always play.”